Rhode Island Senate Bill S0474

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/7/23

Caption

Facilitating Business Rapid Response To State Declared Disaster Act Of 2023

Impact

The introduction of S0474 is expected to significantly alleviate the regulatory burden on businesses that assist Rhode Island during emergencies. By exempting these entities from usual business presence and tax regulations, the bill encourages swift deployment of resources during crises, which can lead to quicker recovery times for critical infrastructure. This aligns with the legislative findings that indicate obtaining rapid aid and manpower from outside the state can expedite recovery efforts following disasters like hurricanes, major storms, or other emergencies.

Summary

Bill S0474, known as the 'Facilitating Business Rapid Response to State Declared Disaster Act of 2023', aims to streamline the process for out-of-state businesses to assist in disaster recovery efforts within Rhode Island. The bill allows out-of-state businesses and their employees to perform critical infrastructure repairs and services without being subject to state and local tax obligations or licensing requirements, as long as their activity is confined to the duration of an officially declared state disaster or emergency. The framework aims to enhance the state’s readiness and response to disasters by facilitating quick resource deployment from external entities.

Contention

While the bill is directed at fostering business support during crises, it may face opposition from local businesses that feel threatened by the competitive edge granted to out-of-state companies. Critics may argue that such provisions could diminish local business opportunities and challenge the existing workforce, especially if they perceive these regulations as contributing to an uneven playing field. Ensuring that local companies are not unduly disadvantaged while providing essential services during disasters is likely to remain a point of discussion among stakeholders.